OK wine, nothing to write home about as far as varietal character or tastiness. Andrew Will’s Cab Franc is flat out better and probably even a few bucks less.
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2009 Kestrel Cabernet Franc Winemaker’s Select - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley (5/31/2013)
Disappointing in the context of Cadence and Andrew Will wines in this price range. Tight on the nose, only caramelly barrel aromas emerge with coaxing. Good weight and texture on entry. But otherwise is mostly oak driven with nondescript fruit. (83 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
I havent tasted the wine in question but during the time I covered Washington for The Wine Advocate I had a number of opportunities to taste Kestrel wines. I found them generally to be solid but not inspiring. I agree with the writer of the note that they are well below the standards of Cadence and Andrew Will (two of my Washington favorites).
MrBigJ
That’s good to know. There is a Syrah with Viognier and a splash of Malbec available from this producer. But based on this wine and others’ impressions, it’s not worth giving this producer another try. I had the Cadence Coda a week or two ago–it’s basically a second wine–and that is nonetheless much more complete and classy.
I have had a number of Kestrel wines over the years and found them to be oak heavy. I don’t buy them anymore.